Zelenskyy: Ukraine reaffirms its territorial positions in talks, no common understanding reached on Zaporizhia NPP
The issues of control over territories in Donetsk region and over Zaporizhia nuclear power plant (NPP) in the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhia region were not resolved during the trilateral Ukrainian-U.S.-Russian negotiations in Abu Dhabi (UAE), which took place on February 4-5, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, following the report of the Ukrainian delegation.
"Complex issues remain complex. Ukraine once again confirmed its positions on the Donbas issue. 'We stand where we stand' is the fairest and most reliable model for a ceasefire today, in our opinion," Zelenskyy told reporters.
According to him, the U.S. side again raised the issue of a free economic area in Donetsk region and the parties discussed this issue. "I would like to remind you: in general, neither Ukraine nor Russia have ever been enthusiastic about the idea of a free economic area. Russia wants us to leave Donetsk region, and we said that the most reliable position is 'we stand where we stand.' The American side offers such a compromise option, in their opinion. And we note that the parties discussed this issue," the president said.
The parties also did not find a common understanding regarding Zaporizhia NPP. "All parties realize that the issue of the station must be resolved together with the issues of restoring the dam, water use and the ecosystem of this territory in general," the head of state said.
"In connection with the possible risks, the Ukrainian delegation conveyed the position of the President of Ukraine that if there are any bilateral agreements between Russia and the United States, the points that will be related to Ukraine cannot contradict the Constitution of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine, and they should not be discussed without Ukraine. Ukraine will demonstrate its reaction to this in the event of such risks," Zelenskyy said.
